Reenactors to relive Drake’s 1586 raid of St. Augustine

Compass

Friday

May 31, 2019 at 2:01 AM

Sir Francis Drake’s sacking of St. Augustine in 1586 will be brought to life with the annual reenactment this Saturday at the Colonial Quarter.

Reenactors with the Historic Florida Militia will put on a 16th century-style military encampment at the Colonial Quarter with the English Drake and his raiders. There will be drills, demonstrations and living history interpretations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Drake led a raid with 23 ships and 2,000 Englishmen to attack St. Augustine during the Anglo-Spanish War. It was his last engagement against Spain before he returned north to the Roanoke Colony.

Drake attacked the city with cannons from Anastasia Island on June 6, 1586. The next day, they stormed through the streets and burned St. Augustine to the ground. Drake and his men ultimately forced the Spanish to abandon settlements not only in Florida, but also in South Carolina.

The Drake’s Raid reenactment will begin at the City Gate on Orange Street and end at the Plaza de la Constitucion.

For information, go to hfm.club.

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